Tsunami update as at 6.00 pm

The higher than usual waves predicted for the Waikato region’s east coast around high tide this evening are not expected to have any impacts on coastal property.

The Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management Group is still urging people to exercise caution in harbours and coastal areas and stay out of the water.

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management’s downgrade of the national warning to an ‘advisory’ will remain in place overnight.

The Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management Group has formally de-activated, but remains on standby and continues to monitor the situation.

The Thames-Valley Emergency Operating Centre, which covers operations on the region’s east coast, has also de-activated but remains on standby and continues to monitor the situation.

The Waikato-Valley Emergency Operating Area, which covers the region’s west coast, is on standby and the Southern Emergency Operating Area is on standby to assist.

Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management Group chairman Peter Lee said: “The group took the initiative to activate early, based on the information available, in response to today’s tsunami alert. All areas worked well together, with a good flow of information from national to a local level.”

People in coastal areas should continue to:

Be observant of any unexpected currents

Be aware that boats are generally safer in water deeper than 30 metres, than if closer to shore. Unpredictable waves and currents will continue for up to 12 hours and boaties need to take care launching and coming in.